Bill would legalize hemp production in TN

A measure filed in the state legislature would make it legal to grow hemp in Tennessee.

Senate Bill 1686, which was introduced Wednesday by state Sen. Frank Niceley, would take "industrial hemp" off the state's list of controlled substances. Under current law, hemp is considered a form of marijuana.

Niceley, a Republican from Strawberry Plains and farmer, has expressed support for hemp cultivation in the past. The bill notes Attorney General Eric Holder's recent directive not to enforce federal cannabis laws in states that have approved medical or recreational marijuana. Tennessee is not among those states, but the policy suggests federal agents would not destroy crops if the Tennessee legislature were to allow hemp production.

- Chas Sisk, The Tennessean

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Bill would legalize hemp production in TN

A measure filed in the state legislature would make it legal to grow hemp in Tennessee.